By Ayodele Oni
Nigeria’s football community is mourning as former Super Eagles Captain, and later, Coach, Christian Chukwu, passes.
Chukwu reportedly passed in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 74.
The cause of his death still remains unclear. But a couple of years ago, he was very ill and was flown out of the Country by Billionaire Femi Otedelo who picked up his bills which amounted to millions of Naira.
Chukwu, fondly referred to as “Chairman,” carved a niche for himself as a towering figure in Nigerian football, both on the field as a player and on the sidelines as a coach.
He captained the national team and later led the Super Eagles from the dugout, earning respect for his commitment and passion for the game.
In 2021, Chukwu was at the centre of a media storm when rumours of his death spread like wildfire.
The reports, later debunked, had triggered widespread concern until the legendary tactician, during his 70th birthday celebration on January 4, came out to set the record straight.
“I am terribly embarrassed with this news that I am dead. Several people have been calling me from across the world since the news broke. I am still investigating the source of the story,” he had said at the time.
The football icon’s death marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s sporting history.
Olusegun Odegbami, one of the deceased team mate reacted to the news of the death saying “Breaking News!! My Chairman has passed on .
“I just received the news that between 9:00 and 10:00 this morning, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, MFR, my bosom friend and team mate, one of the greatest football players in Nigeria’s football history, former captain and coach of Nigeria’s national football team, has passed on.
“Babuje, Emmanuel Okala, MON, gave me the sad news a few minutes ago!
May ‘Onyim’ find peace with Our Creator in Heaven, and console his family.”
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